Kenya’s food security is under threat following the recent vandalism and looting of a National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned. In a strongly worded statement, the CS condemned the destruction of the facility, describing it as a deliberate attack on the nation’s agricultural lifeline.
“The attack on the NCPB depot is not just a property crime; it is a direct assault on Kenya’s food security,” Kagwe said.
Preliminary reports reveal that more than 7,354 bags of fertilizer, each weighing 50kg and valued at over Ksh 29.5 million, were stolen during the incident. The fertilizer was part of the government’s agricultural input program and was designated for distribution to farmers during the current planting season.
“This fertilizer was meant to sustain farmers through this crucial period. Its loss jeopardizes our ability to grow food, feed families, and support the economy,” Kagwe added, warning that the vandalism could trigger a crisis in both food crop and cash crop production across affected regions.
Kagwe expressed concern that criminal elements are hijacking peaceful demonstrations to commit acts of vandalism and theft. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between legitimate protesters and criminals.
“Those who rob, destroy, and loot critical public installations such as the NCPB are not demonstrators; they are criminals and anarchists, and they must be treated as such,” the CS asserted.
He called on the National Police Service to urgently identify and apprehend those involved in the incident and to recover the stolen fertilizer. Kagwe emphasized that such acts not only undermine the democratic right to protest but also threaten national stability and food security.
“Just as brutality and loss of life are unacceptable, so too is the wanton destruction of public property and theft of critical agricultural inputs,” he said.
Kagwe urged Kenyans to defend democracy and the rule of law by ensuring peaceful protests do not descend into chaos and sabotage of national interests.
